Selasa, 15 Mei 2012

On The Move: Seattle Mariners Closer Brandon League

Brandon League is off to a decent start this season as the Mariners' closer has been fairly solid overall and is in the top half of closers in the majors right now. League has been pitching well and with the Mariners not being contenders, League is definitely a candidate to be traded to a contender that needs help at the back end of their bullpen. So where could Brandon League be headed this summer?

Los Angeles DodgersThe Dodgers do not have an experienced closer as Kenley Jansen does not have too much experience in the ninth inning at the major league level. League will give them the closer they need at the back end of the bullpen and allow them to put Jense, and Javy Guerra in seventh or eigth inning rolse. This will also allow the Dodgers to use guys like Kenley Jansen, and Josh Lindblom earlier in games. Stan Kasten and Ned Colletti will definitely look at this move as the Dodgers are definitely contenders.

Arizona DiamondbacksThe D'Backs could use an upgrade at closer as JJ Putz has been a major disappointment with an ERA over 5 and two blown saves. The D'Backs have good depth but no true closer and that is exactly what Brandon League can provide for Arizona. League can be that shutdown man at the end of games as League could adjust to pitching in a hitters' park like Chase Field from his current home park in pitcher-friendly Safeco Field. A bullpen with League, Putz, Bryan Shaw, Brad Ziegler, Craig Breslow, and David Hernandez.

Miami MarlinsThe Marlins' bullpen has been a major disappointment as former closer Heath Bell has been awful in his first year with the Marlins while Edward Mujica has not done much better in the closer's role. League can be the stabilizing force in that bullpen as this could allow Heath Bell to refind the pitching form that made him so good in San Diego before taking the closer role back in 2013. League could also form a very strong bullpen wiht Bell, Mujica, Steve Cishek, and Randy Choate as that could put the Marlins in a position to make a run at a playoff spot.

Toronto Blue JaysThe Blue Jays picked up two quality relievers this offseason in Sergio Santos and Francisco Cordero but they have both struggled as Toronto will need a strong closer if they are going to make the playoffs. League is the perfect answer to Toronto's problem as he is a reliable closer and is pitching at a high level right now. A bullpen with League, Cordero, Santos (when he comes off the DL), Jason Frasor, and Darren Oliver could help the Blue Jays maintain their status as contenders in the AL East and the wild card.